CMA will be featuring some stories on previous Carlisle Military School students, here is the first one! As the thoughts of this project began, the question continually asked was, “Why should we write stories about Carlisle? After all, the school no longer exists.” Everyone asked this question had a different answer. I’ll try to summarize their thoughts. The contributors of this project are at least sixty-eight year old grandfathers. I presume it is this autumn time of our lives we begin to reflect on those people, places, and events that help shape us into what we have become. Without a doubt, these contributors as well as other classmates who shared verbal stories with me, and those who went to alumni meetings all remember Carlisle Military School as “their saving grace.” Telling stories causes us to relive these events. And that’s healthy. The early 1960’s in this country saw many young friends and roommates go to Viet Nam, only not to return. Those who did return carried a wound in their hearts one cannot imagine. Telling their stories of the village friends have a certain amount of healing for their heart only they understand. It is said that a mistake is repeated until learned. While this group of grandfathers does not have all the answers, we do have the benefit of embracing our own mistakes, and the vision of watching others at their own folly over a lifetime. Different reasons and circumstances brought approximately three-hundred fifty young boys together to create this village called Carlisle. In this village atmosphere we were required to follow a clear set of rules. And soon began the process of developing us boys thru a refiner’s fire process. We had to learn how to work within this village system and rely on our fellow citizens to do the same. Succeeding in this village also taught us to believe in ourselves; that we were of value; and when blindsided, we learned to get back up. The freedom given us to choose also held us accountable to a higher standard. We must never lie, never steal, and never cheat. Carlisle Military School and Camden Military Academy was birthed by Col. James F. Risher. He and Mrs. Risher were the father and mother of this village. Their two sons, Bill and Lanning when they became of age, led these schools under the watchful eyes of their parents. Some say, “That was years ago. Today is different.” It is true many ‘things’ have changed the last fifty years. However, honor, dignity, pride in accomplishment, leadership training, and goal setting remain the same value added benefit now as it did then. And it is precisely because of that, we write our story for you. Carlisle’s sister school, Camden Military Academy remains strong in its core values set by the late Col. Risher. And it is because of those core values we learned then that we wish to pass to this generation in the form of the riches and wisdom shared within “Our Stories.” Peace…Gus Martschink: Editor CMS 1963
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:54:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015